Can swordtails live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Swordtails and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Swordtail 72–79°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Swordtail 7–8.3Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Swordtail · 5 inZebra loach · 3.5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

SwordtailZebra loach
Temperature72–79 °F73–79 °F
pH7–8.36–7.5
Adult size5.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can swordtails live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Swordtails and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both swordtails and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Swordtails need 72–79 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do swordtails and zebra loaches need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the swordtail. Add space for each extra fish.